River Soar

It is a long time since our last post - yet again! We have travelled many miles and many of them taking us through contact less areas. It is amazing how many places don't even have mobile signals. We all take it so much for granted these days. No mobile means no data!

We are at present in Birstall a small village along the Soar. We have found this river beautiful-a smaller version of the upper reaches of the Thames.

We left you last time in Shardlow. From there we left the Trent and Mersey Canal and travelled a short way on the river Trent. This took us to the wide junction of the Trent, Soar and Erewash Canal. We planned to explore this canal despite being continually told about the big and heavy locks that have 'handcuffs'/ anti vandal devices on them for witch a special key is needed.

And so, first lock -Trent lock- big heavy locked gates. We managed them and continued with a bit of foreboding for the 14 locks ahead of us! We managed 2 more then decided to find a mooring. Having passed through  Long Eaton earlier in the day we were a bit concerned about town moorings! Sandiacre was nearest so we continued and moorings were shown on our Pearsons guide. Despite seeing no other boats all day these were very full and looked dismal and right by the side of a busy road and unsavoury looking pub and it being Friday we were wary. We pressed on and after trying to moor outside the town where we were thwarted by shallow water. We pressed on further and event u ally found a pleasant spot just below Pasture Lock.

Saturday dawned and the weather looked beautiful but we were dreading the further 11 locks ahead when heading in our direction was another boat. Jenny smiled broadly as did the lady walking towards her. She too had been dreading the journey up the Erewash. A very pleasant, if hard working Saturday developed as Esio Trot and Hunters Moon ascended the locks. The sun shone and Jane and Ian became good companions. They keep their boat in Mercia Marina but live in Hampshire -small world!

We made it to Langley Mill which is the furthest we could go. Our welcome in the Great Northern Basin was warm and helpful. Norman, the chairman of the association that manages the basin, was there-we think a jungle telegraph told him two boats were on theit way up-and he filled us in on all the local facilities. The natives were very welcoming as well!

We had planned to head off on Sunday but Jane and Ian had planned to stay till Monday. In view of the task ahead of us we decided to stay till Monday as well  and spent a lazy day and explored dome of the local area. Being ignorant we were unaware that D H Lawrence was born in the area so a short walk took us to his birthplace and Sid bought a broom handle!!! We then took the Broom handle for a beer!!

Monday dawned misty and we set off with Esio Trot down the locks. None of us knew how far we would get but good progress was made  and we got back down to Trent lock in 7 hours ( we stopped for lunch as well). Progress down was much easier with every lock  in our favour. It was a really pleasant journey with good company.

The following morning we parted company after enjoying a celebratory beer and meal in the Steamboat the previous evening. Somehow we know we will see Jane and Ian again. It was very misty as we waved farewell at Trent Lock.

Not knowing quite where the entry to the Soar was and the thick mist meant we decided to take on water and let the mist lift, which was a wise move because it was a bit tricky. The mist lifted and the beautiful River Soar opened up to us.

Leicester, Foxton and a get together with good friends , Sue and Pete lay ahead and hopefully a continuation of this beautiful Indian summer.